Distributor cap and ignition coil assembly



Sept. 15, 1970 J. E. MORRA 3,529,112

- DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY Filed March 10, 1969 INVENTOR JOSEPH E; 'MORRA ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,529,112 DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY Joseph E. Morra, 115 Paine Ave, Cranston, R.I. 02910 Filed Mar. 10, 1969, Ser. No. 805,640 Int. Cl. H01h 9/04 US. Cl. 200-168 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The device comprises a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly. The cap has a large central opening surrounded by a flat bearing surface, grooved to receive a sealing ring. The ignition coil has a bottom end with a complementary fiat bearing surface which seats on the cap and the sealing rig. The bottom of the coil has a carbon contact for contacting the distributor rotor. The coil and cap are releasably locked to each other by threading or by a simple bayonet connection.

My present invention relates to an internal combustion engine, and more particularly to a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly therefor.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of a distributor cap and an ignition coil which eliminates separate mounting of the coil, eliminates the electrical connection between them, and still permits easy testing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly which allows for easy interchangeability.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a combined distributor cap and ignition coil assembly which virtually eliminates short circuits on the outside of the housings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly which is sealed against moisture and has a better high tension output.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly which is simple in construction and easy and economical to manufacture and assemble.

With the above and other objects and advantageous features in view, my invention consists of a novel arrangement of parts, more fully disclosed in the detailed description following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and more particularly defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distributor cap and ignition coil assembly embodying my invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary section showing the coil and cap locked to each other;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view, partly in section, showing the cap and coil locking parts; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom end of the cor In an internal combustion engine, the coil is usually mounted on the vertical fire wall or on the engine, suitable wiring connecting to the distributor cap. Moisture, dirt,

vibration and wear cause trouble in this area. The present invention eliminates the separate mounting and wiring and mounts the coil on the distributor cap directly. By providing a moisture seal, and by providing a quick and easy connection, most of the trouble spots are eliminated. The combination of the present invention seals out the moisture, reduces any chance of outside short circuiting, and eliminates the excess wiring between two parts.

Referring more in detail to the drawings illustrating my invention, the assembly 10, see FIG. 1, comprises the distributor cap 11 and ignition coil 12 mounted thereon. The cap 11 may be molded of clear epoxy or any high dielectric plastic. It is provided with the usual wire connectors. The cap 11 is of the standard annular size and shape and is provided with the high tension outlets 13.

However, instead of the usual central tower, the cap 11 is provided with a central opening 14 surrounded by a flat bearing surface 15. The surface 15 is provided with a groove 16 in which a sealing ring 17 is mounted. The groove 16 and ring 17 may be of any desired section, such as illustrated, or in the form of an 0 ring. The opening 14 is provided with a Wall portion 18 having a pair of diametically oppositely mounted detents 19 extending fom the wall 18. Each detent 19 is generally rectangular in shape but has downwardly sloping bottom walls terminating in a. point 20 for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

The ignition coil 12 is illustrated as generally cylindrical, but may be any convenient shape. It is provided with the usual primary terminals 21 at the top. However, the bottom end has been constructed to mate with the cap 11. Adjacent the outer perimeter, the bottom end is provided with a flat bearing surface 22, see FIG. 4. The surface 22 is designed to complement the surface -15 on the cap and rests thereon with the sealing ring 17 between them.

Inwardly of the surface 22, is a depending collar 23. The collar 23 is provided on opposite sides with a bayonet groove 24 having a vertical entry 25 and an upwardly potched horizontal portion 26. The portion 26 terminates in an enlarged end 27 having a pointed depression 28. The coil is provided with a central depending high voltage tower 29 having a carbon contact 30 at the end.

To assemble, the coil 12 is placed over the cap 11 and the bottom end is pushed into the opening 14, with the slot portions 25, sliding over the detents 19. The coil 12 is now turned until the slot portions 26 slide. over the detents 19 until they snap into and lock in the ends 27, the points 20 entering the wall portions 28. Reversing the motion unlocks the parts. The assembly and disassembly is thus very simple. The bayonet connection described herein is for illustrative purposes only, and any type of threaded connection may be used. Furthermore, the lock may be reversed with the groove on the cap and the detents on the coil.

The sealed connection keeps out the short circuiting moisture. The elimination of the wiring between the cap and the coil also eliminates a great deal of potential trouble. And the close connection between the coil, cap and rotor virtually eliminates any outside shorts.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A distributor cap and ignition coil assembly comprising a distributor cap having a plurality of peripherally disposed socket areas, said cap having a large central opening, an ignition coil having a housing, a central high tension contact at the bottom end of said housing, and complementary means on said cap and housing releasably locking said housing vertically in said opening.

2. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein said cap is provided with a flat bearing surface surrounding said opening a seal with said housing when said housing is locke in said opening.

3. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein said cap and said housing have complementary flat bearing surfaces which seat against each other a seal when said housing is locked in said opening.

4. An assembly as in claim '1, wherein said locking means includes a bayonet lock between the bottom of said housing and wall of said opening.

H 5. An assembly as in claim 3, wherein said locking- 'said'housing is provided with slots receiving said deten means includes a bayonet lock between the bottom of said housing and wall of said opening.

6. An assembly as in claim 2, wherein the bearing surface on said cap is provided with a groove extending around said opening, and a sealing ring mounted in said groove.

7. An assembly as in claim 3, wherein the bearing surface on said cap is provided with'a groove extending around said opening, and a sealing ring mounted in said groove.

forming'said bayonet lock. 7

9.'An assembly as in claim 5, wherein said opening is provided with detents on the wall of said opening and forming said bayonet lock.

10. An assembly as in claim 6, wherein said locking means includes a bayonet lock between thebottom of said housing and wall of said opening.

References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,619,555 1.1/195-2 WestfalL- 2 98 7588 6/ 19611- McCarty. 3,336,457 8/1967 Julian etal. 3,348,013 10/1967 Waggoner HERMAN ()(JONES, Primary Examiner I US. Cl. X.R." 200-l9 

